Backpack frame, suspension, seat and cot

ABSTRACT

A backpack which includes a main bag, suspension system, frame, and additional miscellaneous parts. It combines the superior comfort of external frame backpacks, with the elegant style of internal frame backpacks. The frame is strapped within the main bag to create a semi-rigid surface against the back. The suspension system&#39;s shoulder harness is removable, and adjustably connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The shoulder harness is vertically adjustable and swivels to accommodate different shoulder widths. The suspension system&#39;s waist harness is removable, and rigidly connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The waist harness provides optimum weight transfer onto the hips and creates an air gap, providing ventilation to the back. By removing the frame and placing a cover on it, a seat is formed. By aligning the seat linearly with additional feet, and inserting elongated rails between them, a frame for a cot (or ladder) is formed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a backpack having a semi-rigid panel for attachment and positioning of the suspension system when in trail configuration, that converts into a seat and a cot when in camp configuration.

[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 41,418, issued on Feb. 2, 1864 to Granville Abbott, 4,511,071, issued on Apr. 16, 1985 to Richard Curran, and 4,538,750, issued on Sep. 3, 1985 to Kenneth Hanna, teach backpacks that convert into a litter or cots. However, none of these backpacks teach a suspension or includes a frame that can be converted into a seat or ladder.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,964,222, issued on Dec. 13, 1960 to Ormon Rainwater, 2,973,888, issued on Mar. 7, 1961 to Harold Beardsley, 3,620,428, issued on Nov. 16, 1971 to John D. Silverthorne, 3,730,407, issued on May 1, 1973 to Winfield Russell, 3,828,992, issued on Aug. 13, 1974 to Joseph Cerchione, 4,056,857, issued on Nov. 8, 1977 to Reginald Quantz, 4,694,979, issued on Sep. 22, 1987 to Lee Ables, 4,883,206, issued on Nov. 28, 1989 to Irvin Miller, 4,885,812, issued on Dec. 12, 1989 to Charles Lindner, 4,947,498, issued on Aug. 14, 1990 to Leonardus Van Boxtel, 4,955,517, issued on Sep. 11, 1990 to Carlo Maresca and 5,209,381, issued on May 11, 1993 to John Jay, teach backpacks that convert into seats or cots. However, none of these backpacks create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, or has an adjustable suspension system, and all of them differ significantly in geometry from the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,607, issued on Sep. 2, 1969 to Ernest Grace, teaches a backpack frame and suspension. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and does not convert to a cot on its own (without the use of a second frame).

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,722, issued on May 27, 1975 to Jerry Robertson teaches a backpack frame and suspension. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and it does not convert to a seat, cot, or ladder.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,138, issued on Oct. 14, 1975 to Norman Pava, teaches a backpack frame, suspension and plurality of storage bags or compartments, and it can be converted into a litter or ladder. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, it does not convert to a seat, it differs significantly from the present invention in its geometry and is designed for evacuating injured climbers and hikers, not for sleeping in comfort.

[0010] U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,733,017, issued on May 15, 1973 to Murray Pletz, 3,860,157, issued on Jan. 14, 1975 to Peter Richards, 4,169,550, issued on Oct. 2, 1979 to Paul Williams teach backpack frames, suspensions and plurality of storage bags or compartments. However, none of these designs create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and none can be converted to a seat, cot or ladder.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,907, issued on Mar. 20, 2001 to Richard Higgins, teaches a backpack frame, suspension and plurality of storage bags or compartments, and it can be converted into a cot. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, it does not suggest the use of the frame as a seat or a ladder, and the geometry of the present invention is significantly different, reducing the number of parts, the weight and cost.

[0012] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The instant invention relates to a backpack which includes a main bag, a suspension system, a frame and additional parts. The frame is enclosed within the main bag to which the suspension system (comprising shoulder and waist harnesses) is attached. The frame is secured in place within the main bag by means of two straps that are fastened in place with side release buckles. The frame when secured provides a semi-rigid surface on which to secure the shoulder and waist harnesses. The frame can be removed from the main bag and can be used as a camp seat.

[0014] The camp seat, when used in conjunction with other parts stowed in the backpack, can be configured into a cot. When the camp seat is aligned with two additional secondary feet, and tubes are inserted between them, a frame for a cot is formed. Extenders are added to create additional length. The orientation of the frame is such that when a mattress is placed on the frame and weight is put on the mattress, the forces are directed inwardly, resulting in great stability.

[0015] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0016] (a) to provide a backpack with a suspension system that combines the best features of external frame backpacks (comfort, provided by good weight transfer onto the hips and air flow to the back) and internal frame backpacks (style);

[0017] (b) to provide a backpack with a suspension system that is adjustable to fit a wide range of torsos;

[0018] (c) to provide a backpack with a removable suspension system that makes it neater for easy transport or storage;

[0019] (d) to provide a backpack having a frame which can be converted into a camp seat;

[0020] (e) to provide a backpack having a frame which can be converted into a sleeping cot;

[0021] (f) to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0022] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in one embodiment of the invention which includes a main bag, a suspension system, a frame and additional parts. The frame is held in place in the main bag by means of two strips of webbing with side release buckles attached to each end that are connected to the main bag. This forms a semi-rigid surface to attach the suspension system, comprised of shoulder and waist harnesses. In another embodiment, the backpack frame, when removed from the main bag, can have a cover added to form a seat and further configured with the additional parts to form a cot or a ladder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the assembled backpack as seen from the front.

[0024]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the assembled backpack as seen from the back showing the harnesses.

[0025]FIG. 2A is a perspective cut-away view of the frame showing the means of placement and attachment to the main bag.

[0026]FIG. 2B is a side view of the main bag showing the placement and means of attachment of the suspension to the main bag. (For clarity, the side bag and side portion of the main bag are removed and material thicknesses are exaggerated).

[0027]FIG. 2C is a sectional view (taken on line 2-C of FIG. 2B) of the connection of the shoulder harness to the main bag.

[0028]FIG. 2D is a sectional view (taken on line 2-D of FIG. 2B) of the connection of the waist harness to the main bag.

[0029]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the frame removed from the main bag.

[0030]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the frame with the seat cover installed.

[0031]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the frame assembled with additional parts when it is to be used as a cot.

[0032]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cot with the cloth mattress installed.

[0033]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a side bag removed and a strap added, as viewed from the front.

[0034]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a side bag removed and a strap added, as viewed from the back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Table Of Reference Numerals In Drawings: # ITEM # ITEM  1 Main bag 33 Washer  2 Zipper 34 Rivnut  3 Side Bag 35 Horizontal Stave  4 Compression Strap 36 Retaining Ring  5 Side Release Buckle 37 Screw  6 Tension Strap 37a Hole  7 Side Release Buckle 38 Washer  8 Cloth Webbing 39 Grommet  9 Handle 40 Rivnut 10 Snap 41 Retaining Ring 11 Compartment 42 Screw 12 Zipper 42a Hole 13 Top Pocket 43 Washer 14 Zipper 44 Grommet 15 Mesh Pocket 45 Rivnut 16 Zipper 46 Retaining Ring 17 Shoulder Harness 47 Waist Harness Strap 18 Waist Harness 48 ‘D’ Ring 19 Grommet 49 Side Release Buckle 20 Load Adjuster 50 Fitting 21 Adjustable Ladder Lock 51 Feet 22 Waist Bracket 52 Seat Cloth 22a Slot 53 Side Release Buckle 23 Sternum Strap 54 Spanner 24 Side Release Buckle 55 Secondary Feet 25 Vertical Stave 56 Extender 26 Frame 57 Cloth Mattress 27 Internal Suspension Strap 58 Sleeve 28 Side Release Buckle 59 Flap 29 Sew Location 60 Snap 30 Internal Rail 61 Tab 31 Shoulder Harness Clip 62 Shoulder Strap 32 Screw 63 Side release buckle 32a Hole 64 Zipper

[0036] Main Bag:

[0037]FIG. 1A shows a main bag 1 that provides front-loading access by means of a zipper 2 that runs up the sides and across the top.

[0038] The main bag 1 has two side bags 3 removably attached to either side of the main bag by means of compression straps 4 and side release buckles 5. The compression straps 4 are configured horizontally and are sewn to the main bag 1. Top tension straps 6 and side release buckles 7 hold the side bags vertically and stop them from slipping out. (Similarly, there are bottom tension straps and side release buckles, which are not shown).

[0039] Four other cloth webbings 8, configured vertically, are sewn to the main bag 1 and reinforce the main bag structure. The cloth webbings 8 form a handle 9 at the top that is secured in place by means of snaps 10. The handle 9 is useful in the stowage and carrying of the backpack.

[0040] Two compartments 11 attached to the front provide easy access to items that may be frequently used while backpacking. Zippers 12 are added to provide entry to the compartments. The top pocket 13 provides a flat compartment to stow small items such as a compass and map. A zipper 14 is added to provide entry into the top pocket 13. A mesh pocket 15 is provided on either side of the main bag 1 and closed with a zipper 16 for wet items or used wrappers.

[0041] Suspension:

[0042]FIG. 1B shows the main bag 1 as viewed from the back to show the placement and attachment of the two shoulder harnesses 17 and waist harness 18 to the main bag. The upper ends of the shoulder harnesses are each attached individually by securing each shoulder harness to one of a pair of vertically aligned sets of grommets 19. This feature enables the shoulder straps to be adjustable for different length torsos. The shoulder harnesses 17, by being independently attached through grommets 19, enable the shoulder harnesses to rotate at the points of attachment. This action enables the wearer to have the shoulder harnesses automatically adjust to the wearer's neck dimensions. (See FIGS. 2B and 2C).

[0043] Load adjusters 20 are affixed between the shoulder harnesses 17 and main bag 1 and enable the wearer to adjust the center of gravity by means of adjustable ladder locks 21. The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses 17 are each attached individually to a waist bracket 22. (See FIG. 2D).

[0044] A sternum strap 23, affixed to the shoulder harnesses 17 and connected by side release buckle 24, prevents the shoulder harnesses from slipping off the user's shoulders.

[0045] The waist harness 18 is attached to main bag by means of waist bracket 22. The waist bracket 22 is secured to vertical staves 25 (see FIG. 2B). The vertical staves 25 are enclosed in a sleeve provided by cloth webbing 8, which prevents the waist bracket 22 from rotating under weight and causing the entire backpack to sag.

[0046] Both the shoulder harnesses and the waist harness may be removed from the main bag and stowed within the main bag. This is particularly helpful when traveling to prevent any part of the suspension from being caught in doors or conveyor belts at an airport.

[0047]FIG. 2A shows the frame 26 (see FIG. 3A) secured in place by two internal suspension straps 27 and side release buckles 28 (main bag 1 is shown in phantom for clarity). Each suspension strap 27 is sewn in place at two sew locations 29 at the top and bottom of the main bag and looped over the horizontal internal rails 30 (upper and lower) of the frame. The remaining ends are clipped together with side release buckles 28 and tightened to form a semi-rigid surface on which to attach the shoulder and waist harnesses on the opposite side.

[0048]FIG. 2B shows the configuration of the attachment points of the shoulder harnesses 17 and waist harness 18. (The side panel of main bag 1 has been removed for clarity).

[0049]FIG. 2C shows the bolting arrangement for the shoulder harness clip 31 (refer to FIG. 2B). A screw 32 with a hole 32 a drilled in the end passes through washer 33, shoulder harness clip 31 and grommet 19 that is connected to the main bag 1, and is threaded into a rivnut 34, which is secured to the horizontal stave 35. A retaining ring 36 is installed in hole 32 a to prevent the screw 32 from backing out. The resulting connection, being fixed in the horizontal stave 35, prevents the shoulder harnesses 17 from creeping inward. (The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses 17 connect to waist bracket 22 as shown on FIG. 2D).

[0050]FIG. 2D shows a sectional view of the bolting of the lower ends of shoulder harnesses 17, waist bracket 22 and waist harness 18.

[0051] The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses 17 are connected to the waist bracket 22 by inserting a screw 37 (with a hole 37 a drilled in the end) through a washer 38 and a grommet 39 that is connected to each shoulder harness 17. The screw 37 is then threaded into a rivnut 40 that is secured to the waist bracket 22. Screw 37 is then prevented from unthreading by inserting a retaining ring 41 through the drilled hole 37 a.

[0052] The waist bracket 22 is attached to main bag 1 at two places. Screw 42 with a hole 42 a drilled in the end is placed through a washer 43, vertical staves 25, and a grommet 44 which is connected to the main bag 1, and is threaded into a rivnut 45 which is secured to the waist bracket 22. Screw 42 is then prevented from unthreading by inserting a retaining ring 46 through the drilled hole 42 a.

[0053] The connection of the waist harness 18 to the waist bracket 22 is achieved with a waist harness strap 47 which has on one end ‘D’ rings 48 that pass through slots 22 a in the sides of the waist bracket 22 and secure the ends of the waist harness strap 47 together. The waist harness 18 then passes around the wearer and clips together using a side release buckle 49 that can be adjusted to accommodate different waist sizes.

[0054] Seat:

[0055]FIG. 3A shows the frame 26 when it is removed from the main bag. Internal rails 30 are press-fitted into fittings 50 and secured into place by means of glue and rivets (not shown). Similarly, the feet 51 are secured to fittings 50. The result is a very strong assembly.

[0056]FIG. 3B shows the seat cloth 52. Each end of the seat cloth 52 is wrapped around and underneath internal rails 30, and clipped together using a side release buckle 53.

[0057] Cot:

[0058]FIG. 4A shows the frame 26 when arranged in a cot configuration. The frame 26 is placed in the middle of the structure. Using four spanners 54 (made of tubes), two secondary feet 55 (permanently attached to fitting 50) and four extenders 56 (made of tubes), the parts are assembled to form the cot frame. These additional parts are stowed in the main bag 1 (not shown). (When assembled, this cot frame could be placed lengthwise at an angle against a wall, building or other surface such as a rockface, and used as a ladder).

[0059]FIG. 4B shows the cot frame with the cloth mattress 57 attached. The spanners 54 (hidden from view) and extenders 56 (hidden from view) are fed through sleeves 58 and inserted into the fittings 50. The flaps 59 are wrapped over the internal rails 30 (hidden from view) and attached using snaps 60 in four places (two each side). Tabs 61 enable the snaps 60 to be easily released.

[0060] Side Bags:

[0061]FIG. 5A shows one of the side bags 3 that is removed from the main bag 1. A shoulder strap 62 is attached to either side bag 3 at the top and bottom using side release buckle 63, and is used to tote items independently of the main bag. (Side release buckle 7 is permanently attached to side bags 3). The shoulder strap 62 is long enough that it can be worn around the waist to form a pack secured at either the front or the back of the wearer. It may also be used to carry items over the shoulder or back. A zipper 64 provides access into the side bag 3.

[0062]FIG. 5B shows the side bag as viewed from the back.

[0063] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0064] Accordingly, the reader will see that the backpack of this invention has many advantages:

[0065] It includes an inner frame that provides a semi-rigid surface on which to secure the outer shoulder and waist harnesses. Such a suspension system is comprised of components that are internal and external to the main bag. This means that the backpack can be styled to look like other popular internal frame backpacks on the market, yet it retains the benefits of external frame backpacks, which includes good weight transfer onto the hips for better comfort and fit, and a gap which provides ventilation to the back.

[0066] It provides a suspension system that can be made highly adjustable, for people of many different sizes and shapes.

[0067] It provides a suspension system that is removable, making it easier to transport and store.

[0068] It provides a front-loading design, making it easier to pack, organize and find things while trekking.

[0069] It can quickly provide a comfortable seat.

[0070] It can easily be converted into a comfortable and stable sleeping cot.

[0071] It can easily be converted into a ladder.

[0072] Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example:

[0073] The vertical stiffening means could be a different shape frame, such as a flat rectangle, which would also create a better frame for a ladder.

[0074] The main bag could have pockets of different shapes or sizes sewn on the front or sides, and different types of straps added on the top, bottom or sides for securing additional or specialized gear.

[0075] The angles of the feet could be made bigger or smaller, changing the stability and weight. Different materials could be used for the feet and extension rails, including aluminum, carbon-reinforced plastic and plastic-injection moldings.

[0076] If the cot were strengthened, it could be used as an emergency stretcher for rescuing people (ie. using the backpack to carry medical supplies, and converting to a cot if needed to remove an injured person).

[0077] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

I claim:
 1. In a backpack for hikers and campers having a main storage compartment and a suspension system, the combination comprising: (a) a flexible fabric main bag, having a back portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the hiker's back; side, top and bottom portions secured about said back portion, and a front portion secured to at least one of said side, top and bottom portions, opposite said back portion to form a flap; (b) vertical stiffening means positioned within said fabric main bag, comprising a top and bottom member, connected by at least one vertical member; (c) attachment means at the top and bottom of said main bag back portion, adapted so: (i) said vertical stiffening top member engages with said top portion of said main bag back portion, and (ii) said vertical stiffening bottom member engages with said bottom portion of said main bag back portion, to form a semi-rigid back surface portion; (d) shoulder and waist suspension members adjustably fixed to the outside of said semi-rigid surface back portion adjacent the top and bottom respectively of said semi-rigid back surface portion.
 2. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said vertical stiffening means comprises a pair of vertically oriented C-shaped members joined adjacent to the open ends thereof by a pair of cross members.
 3. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attachment means comprises a pair of straps fixed to the tops and bottoms, respectively, of said back portion, having releasible fastening means on at least one end of one strap of each pair of straps.
 4. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shoulder suspension member includes a pair of shoulder harnesses; and said back portion includes two sets of vertically adjustable mounting means, spaced apart and formed in said back portion, each said set for receiving one end of each of said shoulder harnesses.
 5. The invention as claimed in claim 4 wherein said mounting means are positioned adjacent to the one horizontal edge of said back portion; and further including a horizontal stiffener positioned adjacent to said one horizontal edge and engaging at the ends thereof with said shoulder harnesses when fixed in said mounting means in said back portion, whereby said attached shoulder harnesses are held in spaced apart relationship during use of said backpack.
 6. The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein said C-shaped members and pair of cross members, when removed from said main bag portion, form a seat frame; and further including seat fabric secured about at least two of said seat frame members to form a seat.
 7. The invention as claimed in claim 2 further including a plurality of spanners, extenders and secondary feet, assembled with said C-shaped members and pair of cross members when removed from said main bag portion, to form a cot frame.
 8. The invention as claimed in claim 7 further including an elongated fabric member secured about said cot frame members, to form a portable bed surface.
 9. The invention as claimed in claim 7 further including spacing said C-shaped members and secondary feet along said extenders to form a structure useable as a ladder.
 10. The invention as claimed in claim 1 further including a plurality of detachable storage compartments.
 11. The invention as claimed in claim 10 further including a strap, attached to one of said detached storage compartments to form a daypack.
 12. The invention as claimed in claim 1 further including a pair of narrow vertical web fabric reinforcing members secured to said main bag back portion, each having a top and a bottom; and said vertically adjustable mounting means comprising two sets of holes, supported by grommets, aligned along said vertical web fabric reinforcing members adjacent the tops thereof.
 13. The invention as claimed in claim 12 wherein said reinforcing member tops are extended above the top of said bag back portion in a loop, to form a top handle.
 14. The invention as claimed in claim 1 further including a zipper connecting said front portion with the remaining said side portions and top portions of said main fabric bag to provide front-loading access into said bag.
 15. The invention as claimed in claim 14 further including a plurality of compartments on said front portion.
 16. In a backpack for hikers and campers having a main storage compartment and a suspension system, the combination comprising: (a) a flexible fabric main bag, having: (i) a back portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the hiker's back; (ii) side, top and bottom portions secured about said back portion, and a front portion secured to at least one of said side, top and bottom portions, opposite said back portion to form a flap; (iii) a pair of narrow vertical web fabric reinforcing members secured to said main bag back portion, spaced apart, each having a top and a bottom; (iv) two sets of vertically adjustable mounting means comprising two sets of holes, supported by grommets, aligned along said vertical web fabric reinforcing members adjacent the tops thereof, positioned adjacent to the one horizontal edge of said back portion, and formed in said reinforcing members, each set for receiving one end of each said shoulder harnesses; (v) a horizontal stiffener, positioned adjacent to said one horizontal edge of said back portion and engaging at the ends thereof with said shoulder harnesses when fixed in said mounting means in said back portion, whereby said attached shoulder harnesses are held in spaced apart relationship during use of said backpack; (b) a pair of straps fixed to the tops and bottoms, respectively, of said back portion, having releasible fastening means on at least one end of one strap of each pair of straps; (c) a pair of vertically oriented C-shaped members joined adjacent to the open ends thereof by a pair of cross members, positioned within said fabric main bag, aligned within said pair of straps; (d) each of said pair of straps being engaged with said stiffening means to form said main bag portion into a semi-rigid surface; (e) shoulder and waist suspension members adjustably fixed to the outside of said semi-rigid surface back portion adjacent the top and bottom respectively of said semi-rigid back surface portion.
 17. The invention as claimed in claim 16 wherein said C-shaped members and pair of cross members, when removed from said main bag portion, form a seat frame; and further including seat fabric secured about at least two of said seat frame members to form a seat.
 18. The invention as claimed in claim 17 further including a plurality of spanners, extenders and secondary feet, assembled with said C-shaped members and pair of cross members when removed from said main bag portion, to form a cot frame; and further including an elongated fabric member secured about said cot frame members, to form a portable bed surface.
 19. The invention as claimed in claim 18 further including spacing said C-shaped members and secondary feet along said extenders to form a structure useable as a ladder.
 20. The method of forming a backpack with the weight-carrying ability of an external frame backpack and light-weight clean appearance of an internal frame backpack which comprises: (a) forming a flexible fabric main bag having back, side and front portions; (b) tensioning said flexible fabric of said back portion to form a semi-rigid back portion; (c) mounting shoulder suspension members adjacent the top of said back portion; (d) mounting waist suspension members adjacent the bottom of said back portion. 